CARTOON SALOON ANIMATE ‘BOOK OF KELLS’

THE Cartoon Saloon based in Kilkenny are to bring Ireland’s historical ‘Book of Kells’ to life in their new animated feature film, ‘Rebel’.
Directed by Aidan Harte and Tomm Moore, the film will feature the voice talent of Brendan Gleeson and the music of Kila and Kieran Goss.
Based on research into illuminated manuscripts and Irish monasteries, ‘Rebel’ is a historical fantasy about two monks who escape from a Viking attack on the island of Iona and their struggle to complete what was to become the ‘Book of Kells’.
‘Rebel’ is the flagship project from The Cartoon Saloon, and has a studio with 13 members, 12 of whom attended the Ballyfermot College in Dublin, which is rated as one of the top three animation colleges in the world and is an education partner with Disney.
Sister company to The Cartoon Saloon, Lemon House Productions, are also creating a 30-minute documentary on the company and on the making of the film ‘Rebel’.
Currently The Cartoon Saloon are working with Producer, Steve Woods, and Director, Damien O’Brien, to create their frameworks film ‘Le Dog’.
The Cartoon Saloon are also creating two short films, ‘The Bear’ and ‘Dress Rehearsal’ , with the assistance of the Irish Film Board and Atom Films.
Irish language broadcaster TG4 have agreed to give Cartoon Saloon an enhanced licence fee to screen ‘Rebel’ as soon as it is completed.
The Cartoon Saloon are now looking for assistance with the financing of the project, and the company will be launched officially during the Animation Festival in Dublin on November 18.